Endemic corruption. Endemic impunity. Empty promises. There is no accountability. There is a mentality that people can do whatever they want, including mismanaging and essentially embezzling public funds. Criticisms and accusations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of funds have plagued local sports for years; accountability campaigns demanding answers to the whereabouts of millions of dollars go unheeded and unpunished. Corporate sponsors have called for accountability, and in the absence of any serious effort to address their concerns, they simply walk away. Lost in the culture of “sweep it under the carpet” and ride out the immediate outrage is the idea of “Peter paying for Paul.” Paul pays for all scenarios. The sport organizations that are meticulous about doing the right thing and properly accounting pay the price. They struggle to get or retain sponsors. Even at the level of the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company, the small fry carry the burden. The big guns appear to get away with murder and still get funding. The playing field is not level.
In a 27th May 2025 Things That Matter column, I called on sport leaders to remember money held in trust is not their money to do with as they wish. I also reiterated sports politics and public relations can’t mask reality. Transparency. Integrity. Accountability stands on its own.
Reference was also made for those who may have missed the 25th May 2025 column to the IOC Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance. Sports organizations, as value-based organizations, have the double duty and responsibility to ensure that the principles of good governance are upheld in all their activities. The following principles are instructive. Principle 4- Financial Governance. Principle 4.1- Financial Transparency. 4.2 Financial Control – Checks and balances should be robust to ensure effective and efficient use of funds. 4.3 Internal Controls and Risk Management.
All the preceding is a long-winded effort to see if the minister of sport and youth affairs, the Honorable Phillip Watts, means what he says and is serious in backing up his words with the necessary action. Then better days may be coming. For sure he is on solid ground. The question is, do we dare believe him or believe in him?
What did he say? In the 21st June edition of the Trinidad Express, he is quoted as saying transparency, accountability, and proper financial oversight are essential prerequisites for any organization receiving public funding. His response followed questions on accountability for World Cup campaign funds by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA); he framed the matter as one of principle, stating accountability is paramount not only for the TTFA but also for every sporting entity that relies on public money. So there we have it. An unambiguous declaration by Minister Watts.
The minister would be mindful that even with his unambiguous statements, many within sports and the public will be observing him to see if he is serious that best-in-class financial transparency and accountability are for him non-negotiable and that his actions will speak louder than his words.
For those who are unwavering in advocating for better governance in local sport. This is not about politics or who is red, yellow, white, green, or blue; Trinidad or Tobago. This is about what is in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago sports. If Minister Watts can bring into reality his vision for financial transparency and accountability, better days are coming and, with it, an end to endemic corruption, endemic impunity, and mismanaging and embezzling public funds.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in the preceding article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any organisation in which he is a stakeholder.
